Abstract:

Electronic gadgets have altered the process of knowledge dissemination and acquisition globally. On another level, the notion and programmes of Public Relations (PR) are adding incremental value to corporate organizations and remote national image-building through the subject of Destination Public Relations (DPR). Given its novel approach to image and relationship management, DPR is proposed by this study to be taught and learnt as a content of the PR stream of mass communication. The study analyzes the PR course subjects, descriptions and teaching guides of three top (private, state-owned and federal) universities in line with the stipulated guidelines of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the National Universities Commission (NUC). Findings revealed that PR courses are taught without the essential DPR in these institutions; neither is DPR taught electronically from anywhere within the country. The study argues for the imperativeness of e-teaching and e-learning of destination-based image-making since universities in Nigeria have failed to adopt it for the regular classroom. Having identified its local, national and international importance for managing the image challenges of the country, the study concludes that DPR is a valuable content of e-teaching and e-learning of Public Relations for understanding and revitalizing the destination-based goodwill of the country. It recommends a global review of e-curriculum by all stakeholders to accommodate the e-teaching and e-learning of DPR as a salient sub-course of PR studies.